In this era where everyone relies on their mobile phones, dentists are no exception. Many friends who practice in Hong Kong or are preparing to obtain a Hong Kong Dental Licensing Examination(HKDLE) also want to share their lives on WeChat Moments, Instagram, or Xiaohongshu, and even engage in science popularization. This is fine, but they must adhere to the bottom line.
The Dental Council of Hong Kong has earlier issued guidelines on the use of personal websites and social media. Today, CHENGHEI will highlight the key points for everyone, so as to avoid accidentally stepping on the red line and even affecting your valuable professional qualification.
Let’s start with personal websites. The principle is simple: keep it clean and pure. You can only put your name, your professional direction, and some personal photos or hobbies that have nothing to do with dentistry or practice. For other content, especially content that is prone to controversy or excessive marketing, try not to put it on.
Now let’s talk about social media. This scope is actually very broad, including Facebook, WeChat, Instagram, which are commonly used by everyone, and even WhatsApp and Line are included. When using these platforms, everyone should remember these ironclad rules:
First and foremost is the protection of patient privacy, which is a red line at all times. Never release any information that can identify patients, and do not comment on specific patient cases. Protecting patient privacy is the bottom line of professional ethics.
Next is the network memory effect. Even if you think you have set up groups in your Moments or deleted posts after sending them, you should assume that every post you make will remain permanently on the Internet. Once it’s been sent, don’t expect it to completely disappear.
Another aspect is image management. Every aspect of your online presence is actually an extension of your professional image. Avoid uploading photos or videos that could damage the reputation of the dental profession. This extends beyond work hours; even in private spaces, exhibiting seriously inappropriate behavior can jeopardize your professional license. Even if you don’t mention in your profile that you are a dentist, if you are found to have engaged in inappropriate behavior, troubles will still come knocking.
Lastly, don’t exploit vulnerable groups for popularity. For instance, when you see children in need, don’t think of using social media to post content to attract attention. The correct approach is to directly refer them to relevant organizations such as the Social Welfare Department.
In summary, no matter how tight the privacy settings on social media are, we should not blindly trust them. Once something is posted, it may be forwarded and potentially seen by colleagues or even patients. Therefore, maintaining professionalism and guarding boundaries is the best protection for ourselves.
Of course, compared to how to set up a social media account, how to successfully obtain a dentist license in Hong Kong is the top priority in everyone’s career.
If you are preparing for or currently undergoing the Hong Kong Dental Licensing Examination but find yourself overwhelmed by the intricate procedures and requirements, we invite you to follow CHENGHEI Education. We not only specialize in training for the Hong Kong Dental Licensing Examination but also strive to provide a clearer career path for dentists. Whether you are seeking updates on the examination or require systematic course assistance, we are here for you.
Instead of agonizing over what to post online, it’s better to invest your energy in more valuable preparation for exams. By obtaining a license, your future path will be broader. If you have any questions about obtaining a license, feel free to reach out to us through the back-end, and we’ll work together to plan your path to practicing in Hong Kong.